Guardian Preservation Services LLP

Dampness in buildings is widely misdiagnosed based on the incorrect interpretation of visual evidence and the readings of moisture meters.  This frequently results in a waste of client’s money and resources, the original plasters and finishes are often destroyed during the process of installation and unnecessary damage is caused to the original structure.

High moisture meter readings only indicate a level of dampness not what is causing the high readings.  We would strongly recommend that you have an inspection carried out by one of our fully qualified surveyors to ensure correct diagnosis.

Rising Damp is caused when water from the ground enters a structure by capillary action. Water that enters or affects a building through any other route can move around in various ways but is not rising damp and only rising damp can be cured by the installation of a chemical damp proof course.

Decayed skirting boards, crumbling or salt contaminated plaster, discolouration and staining, decayed timber floors, peeling paint and wallpaper are all common signs of walls that are affected by rising damp.

Most types of masonry used in the walls of buildings will allow some water movement by capillary action; however this is usually controlled by a physical barrier or damp proof course. If this physical barrier is absent, has broken down or is damaged then it is often possible to install a remedial damp proof course (DPC) to control water rising from the ground.

Water rising from the ground often introduces contaminating salts into the walls and plaster coats. This contamination will often result in a need for the plaster to be removed and replaced using specially formulated salt resistant plasters.

Bridging of Damp Proof Courses is caused when the ground level outside a solid wall is higher than the installed damp-proof course. Other forms of bridging include external wall renders and internal plastering extending down over the damp proof course line and making contact with the ground.

Even if the ground level is below the damp proof course bridging can occur in a solid wall when rainwater hits the ground and splashes onto the wall above the damp proof course. Exposed timbers bearing onto the wall may also be at risk from dampness and therefore may rot.

Penetrating Damp normally affects older buildings and is caused by issues with the building itself.  It can be caused by cracked rendering or defective pointing allowing water to enter the fabric of the building.  Sometimes defective guttering and downpipes, leaking plumbing or roof problems allow rainwater to saturate areas of wall.  Penetrating damp can be damaging to a property and even if it does not penetrate all the way through a wall it often results in moss growth, increased heat loss and frost damage into masonry.

Condensation is the dampness formed when air laden with water vapour is cooled by contact with a cold surface.  This form of dampness is commonly identified as rising damp.  Our surveyors use specialist equipment to correctly diagnose condensation/high humidity levels (please refer to our separate section on Condensation).

Contact us today for honest, independent advice.